theksmith 1,355 Posted August 15, 2016 (edited) Just wanted to relay that I had success self programming a $13 key/fob from eBay for my 2016 JK. I purchased the blank from eBay seller remotez4less and my local Ace Hardware cut it for free. You must have 2 working original factory keys to do the self programming. The blank I received was generic, not an official Mopar part for sure. There are a few small differences which didn't matter to me (the eBay one is on the left in these photos). If you want an authentic Jeep key, I've read a few positive reviews for KeyLessJoe.com. That site can cut it as well if you get your "cut code" from the dealer (supposedly free). It took me three tries to program it, I guess my timing was off the first 2 times! Here's the final process I was able to follow (2016 Wrangler 4 button fob with factory remote start): Have the new key blank cut to match your current keys (Ace does it for free usually) Get in the Jeep and close all doors Insert an existing factory programmed key into the ignition and turn to "ON" (all the way without starting it) Wait 5 seconds then turn to "OFF" and remove your first working key Insert your second existing factory programmed key and turn to "ON" Wait at least 10 seconds, a red flashing dot will appear above the temp gauge at some point, but wait the full 10 seconds and then turn to "OFF" and remove your second working key Insert your newly cut key blank, turn to "ON" and wait at least 10 seconds At this point many instructions said something would beep or light up differently, nothing did for me, i just turned the key back off and removed it from the ignition Put the new key back in the ignition and try to start the vehicle, if it runs for more than a second then you're good! At first I didn't think the remote start feature worked on the new key, but it was just my timing again. I have to double-click on the new key fairly fast, whereas I have to go somewhat slow on the factory keys or it doesn't see the second click. The $13 was a great deal when you consider some folks have reported dealers charging as much at $200 for a new key and programming labor. Edited April 5 by theksmith Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jgaz 268 Posted August 15, 2016 Thanks for the KeyLessJoe link. I just ordered a fob for my wife's van. This site is like having a personal research department! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bradywgn71 302 Posted August 16, 2016 Nice find for sure! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rhino 0 Posted March 10, 2017 You must have 2 working original factory keys to do the self programming. Sorry for resurrecting an old post, any idea if this means 2 working keys with remote or just 2 keys? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theksmith 1,355 Posted March 11, 2017 Sorry for resurrecting an old post, any idea if this means 2 working keys with remote or just 2 keys? sorry i don't know for sure... if they are factory keys, then i don't think it would matter if they have a remote or not. the process is just going to be looking at the chip embedded inside the key i think. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
91AzXJ 2 Posted March 12, 2017 They must be mopar keys with a chip in them. It's funny because when I did one for my daughter's TJ a few years ago, my ACE didn't want to cut the key because they said they've had issues with Ebay keys screwing up their machine. I took it to the dealer and he cut it for free. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rhino 0 Posted March 21, 2017 sorry i don't know for sure... if they are factory keys, then i don't think it would matter if they have a remote or not. the process is just going to be looking at the chip embedded inside the key i think. In case anyone else stumbles on this old post, I was able to program the key (and remote) with two functional keys, even though only one of the two had the remote. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
psychic Cop 0 Posted July 29, 2017 Great Information To Know Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theksmith 1,355 Posted September 25, 2018 (edited) i found out the programming procedure i mentioned in the first post will also work with a regular chip key (i.e. one without the integrated remote). this works better for me since i just needed a key to hide in the rig in case i lose mine while out on a trail. a regular (non-remote) chip key should be waterproof and doesn't need a battery. - for any JK (2007 - 2017 Wrangler) with the sentry-key (SKIM) system, you need a transponder ID 46 type chip key part # Y164-PT... - for older Jeeps like a TJ that still have SKIM, you should be able to use part # Y160-PT... note that if you lock your rig with the remote, then need to unlock it with a non-chip key, the alarm will sound. however, as soon as you start the Jeep the alarm stops. on a related note and filed under "things i didn't know i needed"... you can get a flip-key type fob to replace your factory JK key/remote and stop poking yourself in the thigh! - for JK's with a factory remote start button... - or for the standard 3 button remote JK's... be sure the FCC ID on your remote matches one of the listed ones though, i haven't gotten one of these to test it myself yet. i can tell you not to waste your money on a similar product that uses the internals from your existing remote - i bought one of those kind and it was complete junk. one more key type thing you definitely don't need - unless you feel your factory fob could use a little more techno-manly-beefiness... AJT Design's custom molded key heads. they also have those little Decepticon looking keys for all the common Toyota 4x4 rigs! Edited April 5 by theksmith Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theksmith 1,355 Posted April 7 just referenced this old thread again to program keys for a 2009 JK successfully. i bought a couple Y164-PT type chip keys from Amazon for $10, but getting them cut locally was a slight issue this time. the Ace Hardware i used before has a fancy new automatic machine and they refuse to cut anything you didn't buy from them. but, they didn't even have the correct transponder blanks to sell. i managed to persuade a teenager working at Lowe's Hardware cut them for me, even though they have the same exact machine. he just needed to select "Jeep" from the machine's on-screen menu and it worked perfectly with my blanks. strategically approaching him just as the store was closing might have helped... he seemed to just want to go home instead of calling a manager or dealing with a potentially upset customer. 1 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
